Improving access to justice, together
Each year our pro bono programme provides much needed access to justice for the communities where we live and work. Collectively our lawyers are generating social value in the form of thousands of hours of free legal advice to good causes and individuals.
As a responsible business we believe it's our duty to help those in need when we have the expertise and resources to do so. Our pro bono support aligns with our responsible business focus areas. Projects are selected to provide access to justice for our communities, with specific emphasis on promoting inclusion, supporting the arts, and protecting the environment.
Legal advice clinics
With legal aid provision diminishing across the UK, our lawyers do important work at regular legal clinics. We have a long-established clinic in Southwark, meeting a huge range of people and covers a variety of issues. We are also running a specialist clinic supporting victims of the Windrush scandal and another for families seeking to resolve disputes.
Day-to-day advice for pro bono clients
Our portfolio of pro bono clients is growing. Lawyers across Taylor Wessing provide pro bono advice as part of our community partnerships with chosen charities and as members of TrustLaw, the Collaborative Plan for Pro bono and Lawyers Volunteering for the arts.
Panel members of the Human Dignity Trust
As panel members of the Human Dignity Trust, we offer support to local lawyers mounting legal challenges against the criminalisation of homosexuality in the 40 Commonwealth countries where it remains illegal.
Working with Trust Law
Through Trust Law – the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s global pro bono legal programme – we offer free help to high-impact NGOs and social enterprises that are working to create social and environmental change.
All lawyers play a part
Pro bono projects help us take a step back from our complex international transactions and witness the impact the law has on the lives of people in our local communities. Our lawyers have a target of 25 hours per annum and we recognise significant contribution in a number of ways.
Access to justice is fundamental to society, and it is important that, in a time of shortage, we provide support to those who would otherwise have no access to legal services or could fall prey to the unscrupulous. I've been part of our pro bono initiatives for many years and find it incredibly fulfilling to be able to give something back to our wider community.
I'm proud to be witnessing new levels of energy throughout our programme. Setting pro bono targets for all lawyers has resulted in activity increasing 34%. Together we delivered 3,995 hours last year, a forth year of growth and more pro bono than ever before.
Latest pro bono news
Responsible business
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Collaborating with The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants on Windrush legal advice
22 April 2021
Responsible business
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Providing legal advice to marine conservation charity
26 October 2020
Hotels, hospitality & leisure
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A welcome result for the hospitality sector in FCA’s business interruption insurance test case
Court finds in favour of arguments advanced for policyholders by FCA on majority of key issues, but don't start celebrating just yet.
15 September 2020
by multiple authors
Hotels, hospitality & leisure
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Hospitality in a ‘race against time’ as the FCA prepares to file BI insurance high court action
3 June 2020
by multiple authors